The week started with Mr Rodgers’ Assembly for Upper School on British Values, looking at how they affect us as a school community. Democracy is clearly evident, as Monday also saw the first School Council meeting of the year. Earlier in the term, children heard from prospective candidates, and voted for their chosen representatives. Last year, our School Council asked me for a short extra break for Upper School on their busiest days. I thought this was a very useful idea, and it was introduced into this year’s timetable as a result. “Democracy” comes from the Ancient Greek for “people power”, and this is a great example of our pupil voice being encouraged and acted upon.
We have respect for the Rule of Law, with our ethos of Take Care, Work Hard, Be Kind being easily understood by our very youngest. Our oldest children look at how the laws of the UK affect them as they take on greater responsibilities for their own actions as they approach adulthood. This ranges from the importance of consent in physical relationships to the potential implications of everything we post online.
Individual liberty gives us the right to our own identity. St Christopher’s is very definitely a place where everyone can be themselves, celebrate their own talents, and feel that they are listened to equally. We are a school of mutual respect in the way that we treat each other and look after ourselves, and the things that belong to us and to others. Tolerance of different cultures and beliefs is at the heart of a diverse community like ours, to enable us to work and play alongside each other. We may be very different to some in our community, but we respect the lived experience of others; even if our views may not always be the same.
Very early on Wednesday morning, Upper School set off on their annual residential trip to Dorset, where they have been exploring Science, Geography, English, and History in the dramatic setting of the Jurassic Coast. There will be a full report in next week’s edition of the Newsletter, and they will be arriving home later this afternoon.
Finally, a letter went out earlier in the week, inviting you to our Harvest Festival. Please note that this is a change to the original calendar. I hope to see many of you there for our first major school event of the year. If you cannot attend, but would like to donate to our Harvest Appeal in support of The Clock Tower Sanctuary, the link is here St Christopher’s Prep – The Clock Tower Sanctuary.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head
